Housing for electrical switches



Feb. 6, 19454 R. PVOPP 2,368,679

HOUSING FOR ELECTRICAL SWITCHES Filed March 6, 1942 Patented Feb. 6, 1945 r 2,368,679

nonsmc FOB. nnncrmoar. swn'cnns Rudolf Popp, Valparaiso. Ind, assignor to McGill- Mannfac g Company, Valparaiso, hit, a

corporation of Indiana k I Application March 6, 1942, Serial No. 433.657

Claims.

This invention relates to electrical swtiches and in particular to an insulating housing. therefor which is comprised of an insulating member with an open side to receive and releasably retain a complete preassembled switch or operating unit Itds an object of thi invention to provide an improved electrical switch.

Another object of this invention is to provide an insulating housing for a preassembled elec-- trical switch which is comprised of but two insulating members retained in assembled position entirely by snap means.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a switch having a preassembled operating unit.

complete in itself, which by 'a simple hand operation without tools can be inserted within an in sulating casing and releasably retained therein, and then readily removed.

A further object of this invention is to provide an insulating housing for an electrical switch which entirely eliminates the insulation and manufacturing difliculties inherent with metal housings.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an insulating housing for an electrical switch which is rugged in construction, comprised of a minimum number of parts which are easily assembled without the use of any special jigs or the like, and adapted o have the parts thereof formed by simple machining operations, to in all provide a housing which can be economically manufactured, and then subsequently can be simply and economically handled by an electrician. 1

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of an insulating housing adapted for assembly with a switch unit which is completely operative when used apart from the housing.

Another feature is the provision of a one-piece insulating case and a multi-part preassembled operating unit which can be wired up and inserted in the case and then the unit and case can be releasably assembled together merely by the manual insertion of the unit in the case. The complete switch is then ready for operation.

Another feature of 'this invention is found in the provision of an insulating housing for a switch unit in which portions of the housing and snap means for holding the housing in assembly position coact with certain portions of the switch unit to retain the housing and switch unit against relative movement.

Further objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of one embodiment of this invention; I

Fig. 1a is to perspective view of the assembled switch of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is a transverse vention shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevational'view of a switch unit showing a portion of the housing means in an assembling position;

Fig. 4 is a view illustrated similarly to Fig. 3 showing parts thereof in changed position;

Fig.5 is a fragmentary sectional View taken along the line 5-5 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 shows a modified form of the invention with the member for snap connecting the housing members in an assembling position;

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 1-1 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen along the line 8-8 in Fig. 6; and

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a snap member for releasably connecting the housing portions of Fig. 6 in an assembly position.

Housings for electrical switches are used so extensively at the present time that improvements which result in even a small saving in cost of manufacture mounts to substantial proportions when the housings are made in large quantities. Furthermore, this is not the only element to consider in the overall cost on a switch, forthe labor cost on the installation of the switches with housings can likewise be large, and savings resulting from greater ease of installation are extremely important. It is common practice to use metal housings with bodies and covers of snap connected type for electrical switches and particularly those having preassembled switch units or operating units insertable therein and removable therefrom, However, these metal housings have not been entirely satisfactory because of the difficulties in completely eliminating any shorting of the switch therethrough, and the consequent necessity for providing insulating lining means between the housing and the switch unit-positioned therein. The cost of manufacturing the parts for these metal housings is appreciably increased not only because of the cost of the insulating lining material required but also by the use of separate machines for forming the housing and the linings therefor. Also special Jigs are usually required in assembling the various parts of the housing. In many instances the insulat ng lining has to be of a special material sectional view of the in-' which not only has satisfactory insulating qualities, but which also possesses sufllcient resilience to provide for its expanding against the side walls of the metal housing. Since some of these insulating materials are readily affected by atmospheric conditions a separate storage place for them must be provided. The overhead cost of storage is further increased because of the plurality of parts used in these housings. It is readily apparent that where a metal housing is peculiar to a particular type of switch, the cost of storage and inventory for a plurality of switch types will be appreciable.

In practicing the present invention there is provided aninsulating housing member comprised of but two insulating members which are adapted to be snap connected in assembled position by a metal connecting member which can be originally handled by a single manual operation. The housing members and the connecting member are of a construction such that they may be readily formed by simple molding and machining operations. As illustrated in the drawing the switch unit positioned in the housing of this invention is of a preassembled type.

In other words the switch unit may be operated either within a housing, or entirely apart from the housing so as to broaden its application to a plurality of difierent operating conditions. It is to be understood, of course, that the housing can be modified, within the scope of this invention for use with other type switch units and can be considered as a single insulating casing with an open side or face into which is inserted a completely preassembled switch unit. This is formed and insulated so that one side serves as the cover for the open face of the casing and such unit is snap connected into the casing by a yielding portion thereof which engages such casing. The switch unit is adapted to be received entirely within the casing or housing member, which is of cup shape and provided with a slot therein to accommodate mounting stem and actuating portion on the switch. Where a second housing member is employed, this is assembled on the switch unit and functions as a cover for the first housing member when the two members and switch unit are assembled together by a metal snap member which has a portion extended across the cover member. The snap member has one end for locating the second or cover member relative to the switch unit actuating portion, and another end of a construction such that it'may be snap engaged with the first housing member. The metal snap member, as well as portions of the housing members are formed to coact with certain portions on the switch unit to retain the switch unit and housing members against relative movement. The assembly operations for the housing members with the preassembled switch unit can all be very quickly and easily accomplished by hand. In assembly the housing members completely enclose the switch unit and because they are composed of molded insulating material shorting of the switch or the connections leading therefrom is entirely eliminated.

Referring to the drawing, one form of the switch housing of this invention is shown in Figs. 1, 1a, and 2 with a preassembled switch unit I including like spaced insulating side plates II and Ila, and switch mechanism, indicated generally as I2, disposed between the side plates and supported thereon. The terminal posts I3, two of which are shown for the switch mechanism of the lever or pull-chain type. The actuator It extends beyond a supporting member I1 having extensions I8 inserted through corresponding apertures in the side plates II and Ila for mounting the same in such plates.

The housing shown in Figs. 1 and 2 includes a substantially cup-shaped insulating housing member I9 having a wall portion 2| and a continuous rim portion 22 projecting laterally therefrom. The rim portion 22 is formed with a slot 28 for receiving the supporting member I1 when the switchunit I0 is positioned within the housing member I8. Located substantially opposite from the slot 23 and at the junction of the rim portion 22 with the wall portion 2| is an opening 2d in the housing member I9 for a purpose to be later noted.

The open side 26 of the housing member I9 is closed by an insulating cover or plate 21 in a manner now to be described. The housing member I9 is composed of a suitable moldable insulating material. The member I9 is preferably formed by a molding process, while the cover 21 may be stamped out of insulating fiber, or it may be molded if desired. The insulating cover 21 is of a shape corresponding to the shape of the side plates II and Na and is adapted to be positioned adjacent either one of said side 40 plates in the assembly of the housing depending upon which side plate is positioned toward the open side of the member I9. For the purposes of this description the invention will be described with the cover '21 being positioned against the side plate II. The surface of the cover plate 21 placed against the side plate II is formed with inset or cavity portions 28 (Fig. 5) correspondin to the lugs I4 and capable of receiving the same. The cavities 28 do not extend entirely through the cover 21, and in fact, each constitutes a pressed or formed cavity, with the top 28 thereof extending above the face surface of the cover by a pressing or forming operation. Therefore the tops 28 provide insulating covers for the ends I4 of the terminal postsi 8. Apertures 29 extending completely through the cover plate 21 receive the extensions lfl pnthe supporting member I1 and are subsequently covered by a connecting strap member 30 as will beexplained. It is seen, therefore, that by virtue of the cooperating construction of the cavities and apertures in the cover 21 relative to the side plate II, and the strap 30 the plate 21 is located and retained in a superposed relation on the side plate II and in flush engagement therewith.

Prior to the insertion of the switch unit I0 within the housing member I9, the cover 21 is releasably retained in its superposed position on the side plate II, by a connectingor snap member 30 of substantially U-shape having an'intermediate body portion and end portions 32 and 38. The end 33 includes a spacing portion 34 (Figs. 1 and 1a) extending laterally across the connecting member 30, and a pair of spaced legs 33 of substantially L or hook shape having extensions 31 at the free ends thereof projected inwardly with reference to the legs 33. The end portion 32 has a bumped-out lug 33 between the ends thereof and a snap portion 33 near the free end 4lthereof.

With the cover 21 superposed on the side plate H. in the manner above'described, the legs 33 on the connecting member 33 are placed in a straddling position relative to t e upporting member H, with the end portion 32 of the connecting member tilted away from the cover 21. With the legs 36 in this straddling position the connecting member 33 is moved viewed in Fig. 3, to its position indicated in Fig. 4. The spacing portion 34 projects laterally of the body ortion a distance substantially equal to the combined transverse dimensions of the side plate II and cover 21. with this lateral dimension also defining the spacing of the extenbody portion. As the connecting member 30 is urged into an assembled position preparatory to snapping, it on to the switch unit the extensions 31 are moved into an engaged position with the'inner side 42 oi the side plate H so that the cover 21 and side plate H are clamped between the extensions 31 on the legs 36 and the body portion of the connecting member 30, as is also shown in Fig. 3.

Concurrently with the straddling of the supporting member I1 by the legs 36 the end portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is located in a transversely extending groove 43 formed in the periphery of the cover 21 opposite the apertures 29 therein. n inward movementof the member 30 providing for the clamping together of the side plate II with the cover 21, the end portion 32 of the member 30 travels in the groove 43 until the lug 38 on the end portion 32 is at the groove 13 and at the outer surface or side of the cover 21 (Fig. 3). Since the connecting member 30 is substantially anchored at its end 33 by the engagement of the legs 36 about the cover 21 and side plate II. the end portion 3'! is pivotally movable, by pressing to the left thereon as viewed in Fig. 3, to in turn move the lug 33 from its position shown-in Fi trated in Fig. 4. Since the lug 38 is spaced from the body portion a distance substantially equal to the lateral dimension of the spacing portion 34 and because of the flexibility of the end portion 32, the lug 38 is snapped into its position a ainst the inner surface 42 of t e side plate Ii. From a consideration of Fig. 4. therefore. it is seen that the cover 21 is held in a superposed osition against the side plate II by the cooperating action of the ends 32 and133 of the connecting member 30 with the side plate II and cover 21. while the cover 21 is likewise positioned by the lugs I 4 and I8 extending into the cavities 23 and a ertures 29 respectively.

This insures the original accurate positioning of the cover 21 on the switch and the retention thereo in the predetermined position so that when this assembly is inserted in the housing or casin '9 the cover 21 will fit'exactlv into th o en face to close L time t e outer fare of the cover 21 will be flush with the rim of the casing.

With the cover 21 thus assembled to the switch unit It the switch unit It! is inserted within the housing member 19. the mountin stem l1 being received in the slot 23. As best shown in Fig. 1 the wall portion or bottom 2| of the housupwardly. as

the same. and at t e ame sions 31 on the legs 36 laterally away from the 3 to its position illusengagement of the side plates ll ing member I3 is formed with recesses or cavities 44 corresponding to the lugs l4 and extensions l3 projecting from the side plate Ila to locate the switch unit relative to the wall 2|. Prior to the positioning of the switch unit 10 within the housing member I! the end portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is located in a guiding groove 46 formed on the inner periphery of the rim portion 26 oi'the housing member and extended transversely thereof in alignment with the opening 24. On insertion of the preassembled switch unit within the housing member I 3 the sna portion 39 is projected within the opening 24 with the shoulder thereon in snap engagement with the shoulder portion 41 at such opening (Fig. 2). The housing l9 and cover 21, therefore, are snap engaged in assembly position and about the switch unit I!) to completely enclose the same. Corresponding recessed or cut away portions 43, 43 and 5| are provided in the cover 21, side plates II and lid, and housing member i9. respectively, to permit the extension through the housing of conductors for connecting the switch mechanism to connections outside of the housing. A mounting nut 52, may be threadably engaged with the mounting stem 11 .to support the housing and switch assembly in a canopy or the like. As is to be noted from Fig. 2 the spacer portion 34 serves as a fiat metal backin-g against which a washer can be drawn, or this portion will engage a wall of the canopy or the like.

It is to be noted that the terminal screws 53 in the terminal posts I3 may be located on the terminal posts anywhere between the side plates II and Ho without in any manner interfering with the operation of the switch unit ill or its positioning in the housing. The side plates II and Ho are similarly formed and adapted for assembly with either the wall portion 2| or the cover 21 so that either side of the switch unit Ill may be initially inserted within the housing member l9. Relative movement between the housing and switch unit is eliminated by the and Ha with the end 'wall 2| and cover 21. respectively, the positioning of the end portion 32 of the connecting member 30 within the guiding groove 46. and

1 the insertion of the mounting portion l1 within the slot 23. T e switch unit It is received entirely within the confines of the rim portion 22. As is best shown in Fig. 2 the outer face of the cover 21 is flush with the top surface of the rim. The housing portions thus completely enclose the switch mechanism to entirely insulate the same. Sin e the thickness of the housing is relatively small. and with the cover 21 fitting entirely within the housing member IS. the overall dimensions of the housing and switch assembly are only sli htlv greater than the overall dimensions of the switch unit In alone. A com-pact and neat a earin housing is thus provided for the switch unit.

Referrin to Fi s. -9 there is shown a modifled form of hous n for the switch unit I 0, the housing bein illustrated as including an insulatin housing member l9 and an insulating cover 21' therefor. The housing member I! (Fi s. 6 and 8) is of substantially cup-shape hav ng an end wall ortio 2| integrally formed with a continuous rim ortion 22'. The rim 22' is formed with a slot 23' (Fig. 7) for receiving the mountin portion I1 of the switch unit l6. Adjacent each side of the slot 23 and extending transversely of the rim portion- 22' are rooves 88 having catch portions indicated at B9 in the bottom oi each thereof. Arranged substantially opposite from the slot 23' and in the rim portion 22' is a third transversely extending groove 8| (Figs. 8 and 8) having a catch portion 82 provided therein. The cover 21' for the housing member I8 is offlat form and adapted to be received within the confines of the rim portion 22'.

In the assembly oi the housing about the switch unit in the switch unit in is inserted within the housing member i9 with the mounting portion I! at the slot 23' in the rim portion 22'. With the switch unit ill in this position, the cover 21' is placed against the side plate Ii of the switch unit and within the. confines of the rim portion 22', the outer surface 58' of the cover 21' being flush with the end 51' of the rim portion 22'. The cover 21' is retained in this assembly position with the housing member I8 by means of a metal connecting or snap member 88 of substantially U-shape having laterally extending end portions 84 and 88 (Fig. 9). The end portion 88 is comprised of a pair of spaced legs 61 each of which has. a snap portion 88 at the free end thereof. The end portion 84 is comprised of a single extension having a snap portion 89 thereon.

In the assembly of the connecting member 68 with the housing each leg 81 is located in a corresponding one of the grooves 58 to each side of the slot 23', while the end portion 64 is positioned at the groove 8 I, this initial assembly position of the connecting member 63 being shown in Fig. "I. On pushing of the connecting member 63 downwardly, as viewed in Fig. 'l, the snap portions 68 on the legs 6'! are moved into snap engagement with the catch portion 59 in a corresponding groove 58, while the snap portion 68 on the end portion 84 is moved into snap engagement with the catch portion 82 in the groove 8|. By virtue of this snap engagement of the connecting member with the housing memberv l9. and the extension of the connecting member above the cover 21' the housing member and cover are releasably connected together to completely enclose the switch unit it). Conductors for connecting the switch mechanism to connections outside of the housing are adapted to be inserted into the housing through corresponding openings ll, 12, and 48 formed in the housing member l9, cover 21', and side plates H and Ila, respectively.

From a consideration of the above description and drawing, therefore, it is seen that the invention provides a completely insulating housing for a switch unit which is retained in assembly position entirely by snap engaging means whereby to completely eliminate the use of securing screws or the like. The parts comprising the housing are easily molded or stamped by the use of simple molds or dies. There are no projections on the casing, for instance, so that the parts of the molds may be constructed to be separated from the casings in a straight line motion and the casings can be removed from the molds in a straight line motion. The snap member for releasably retaining the housing parts within the housing and the side tolerances permitted for the location or the terminal screws and the terminal posts, relative to the housing, the same general housing construction may be used for a plurality of types of switch units. This flexibility in the application of the housing and the three part construction thereof reduces storage space and hence storage costs to a minimum. I

Further savings in the overall cost of the insulating housing as compared to metal housings results from the fact that .its assembly is very simple and can be accomplished without the use of any special Jigs or the like. By virtue of the housing being snap connected in assem-' bly position it can be completely assembled with the switch unit right at the storage bins. Assembly can be accomplished simply by holding the casing in one hand and inserting the presssembled switch unit in the casing with the other hand and pressing inwardly to snap connect the parts. Disassembly is just as simple and is accomplished by pressing in of the portion 39 or lifting of the portion 69. The molded construction of the housing also provides appreciable savings over metal housings because of the.savings in the initial costs of material and the complete elimination of any insulating linings.

Although the invention has been described with specific reference to several preferred embodimerits thereof. it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modification in the parts and in their general arrangement can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An insulating housing for a preassembled switch mechanism open at one side and having a catch portion on the inside thereof, said switch mechanism being insertable into said housing and having an insulating portion receivable within said open side to close the same when the mechanism is in position in the housing, and means carried on said switch mechanism for snapengaging said housing to releasabiy retain the mechanism in the housing including a yieldable snap portion snapped into retaining position with said catch portion on insertion of said switch mechanism into said housing. and accessible on the outside of the housing for movement to release the mechanism from the housing for separation therefrom.

2. A housing for a preassembled electrical switch mechanism, said switch mechanism having an extending portion, and said housing including a substantially cup-shaped insulating member having an annular cavity therein with a side wall, said side wall having a slot in one portion and a catch portion on an oppositely located portion thereof, with said extending portion being receivable in said slot when the switch mechanism is positioned within said insulating member, an insulating cover for said insulating member adapted to be positioned within said cavity to close the same when the switch mechanism is in position in the housing, means for snap-engaging said insulating member and cover in assembly position including a, flat metal member having one portion extending across said cover, a second portion for locating the snap member relative to said catch portion, and a snap portion for snap engagement with said catch portion of the housing, with said metal member being of a width substantially equal to the transverse dimension of said extending portion.

3. A housing for a preassembled electrical switch un'it having an operating portion projecting therefrom and at least two conductors thereon for extending through the housing to connections outside said housing, said housing including a substantially cup-shaped insulating housing member with an open side and a side wall having a slot therein for receiving said operating portion when the switch unit is positioned within said housing member, said side wall having a catch portion thereon located substantially opposite said slot, an insulating cover for said housing member adapted to be positioned at said open side within the confines of said side wall and against said switch unit, means for retaining said housing member and cover in assembled positions about said switch unit including a flat substantially U-shaped metal member having an intermediate portion extending across said cover, said metal member being of a width substantially equal to the transverse dimension of said extending portion and having spaced leg portions at one end for straddling said extending portion to locate said metal member relative to said catch portion, and a snap portion at the other end thereof adapted for snap engagement with said catch portion, with said cover and housing member having corresponding openings therein spaced from said metal member for receiving said conductors, with the openings in said cover being in the periphery thereof.

4. A housing for enclosing a, preassembled switch mechanism, said, housing including a walled insulating housing member open at one side and having a substantially closed opposite side, with a wall of said housing having ,a catch portion thereon, and means for closing the open side of said housing member including a locking portion and a cover portion for closing said open side, said locking portion including an integral resilient extension projecting within said housing member with its outer free end positioned adjacent said catch portion, a shoulder on said outer end, said outer end, whensaid open side is being closed, being movable in a direction substantially normal to said opposite side to releasably lock said shoulder with said catch portion, with movement of said outer end in a direction substantially parallel to said opposite side releasing said extension from said housing member, and said housing member being provided with an opening therein to permit manual manipulation of said outer end.

5. A housing for enclosing a preassembled switch mechanism, said housing including a walled insulating housing side and having a substantially closed opposite side, with the wall of said housing member having a transverse groove therein with a catch portion adjacent one end thereof, and means for closing the open partof said housing member including a locking portion and a cover portion receivable within said open side so as to be substantially flush with the wall of said housing member at said open side when the switch mechanism is in position within said housing, said locking portion including an extension substantially normal to said opposite side having a shoulder adjacent the outer end thereof, said extension being guidably movable in said groove, on locking of said cover and housing member, to releasably lock said shoulder with said catch portion, said extension member open at one to said housing to p 5 in looking position being supported in said groove with the outer end thereof within the confines of said opposite side, with movement of. said outer end in a direction substantially parallel to said opposite side releasing said extension from said' housing member.

6. An insulating housing for completely enclosing a preassembled switch mechanism, said housing including an insulating housing member open at one side and having a catch portion thereon, an insulating cover to close said one side when said switch mechanism is in position in said housing member, and means for supporting said cover on said switch mechanism including a locking portion, with said locking portion being insertable with said switch mechanism into said housing member to engage said catch portion and releasably lock said cover and housing member together, said locking portion being accessible from the outside of said housing for movement relative release said switch mechanism for separation from the housing.

7. A housing for enclosing a preassembled switchmechanism,said housingincluding a walled insulating housing member open at one side and having an aperture extending through the wall thereof, and means for closing the open side of said housing member including a cover portion and a locking portion, said locking portion including an extension substantially at right angles with the cover portion having a shoulder adjacent the outer end thereof, said extension being insertable within said housing upon positioning ofsaid cover portion at the open side, said shoulder engaging the edge of said aperture on the inside of said housing member, and being pushable inwardly of the housing member to release the extension from said housing member.

ing laterally from said wall portion, ofsaid rim and wall portions having an opening extending therethrough, an insulating cover for said housing member adapted to be superposed on said side portion, and in a housing closing position when the switch unit is in position in the housing member, and means for locking said housing member and cover in assembly relation including a locking portion and means for holding said cover and side portion together in said superposed relation, said locking portion on positioning of said switch unit within said housing member being movable within said housing membertoward said opening into locking engagement with the housing member at said opening and being pushable inwardly of the housing member at said opening for release from said housing member.

9. An insulating housing .for an electrical switch unit, said housing including an insulating housing member having portion extending laterally from said wall portion having a pair of oppositely disposed trans- I a wall portion and a rim 6 I aeoaero ing to said transverse grooves, with each or said extensions having a locking portion adjacent the outer end thereof for locking engagement with a corresponding catch portion when said lock-' ing means is moved in a direction substantially normal to said wall portion, said outer ends oi the extensions being within the confines or said wall portion. with movement one 0! said extensions outwardly from said housing member releasing said locking means from said housing member.

10. A, housing for a preassembled electrical switch unit having an actuating portion pro- Jecting outwardly therefrom, said housing including a substantially cup-shaped insulating housing member having a rim portion with a slot therein for receiving said actuating portion when said switch unit is positioned within said 'of said actuating portion, said metal member having the intermediate portion thereoi extended across said cover, and one end portion formed with a pair of spaced legs adapted to be received in a corresponding groove to each side or said slot, with the opposite end portion oi! said metal member being receivable in said third groove, with each of said legs and opposite end portion of said metal member having a shoulder portion thereon for releasably engaging a catch portion ina corresponding groove, and said one end and opposite end portions being substantially within the peripheral confines of said housing member.

11. A switch assembly housing comprising a cup-shaped housing member adapted to receive the switch assembly therewithin and having a shoulder along one wall thereof, a connecting member including an end portion insertable within saidhousing member with said switch assembly and provided with locking means one gageable with said shoulder to anchor one end of said connecting member to said housing, said connecting member including a second portion extending transversely across the open side of said housing member to embrace said switch assembly and thus retain said switch assembly within said housing member, and means anchoring the opposite end of said connecting member.

12. A switch assembly housing comprising a cup-shaped housing member adapted to receive the switch assembly 'therewithln and having a shoulder along one wall thereof, a connecting member including an end portion insertable within said housing member with said switch assembly and provided with locmng means enageable with said shoulder to anchor one end oi said connecting member to said housing member, said housing member having an opening therethrough for permitting manual disengagement of said locking means and said shoulder, said connecting member including a second portion extending transversely across the open side of said housingmember to embrace said switch assembly and thus retain said switch assembly within said housing member, and means anchoring the opposite end ofsaid connecting member.

13. An insulating housing for a preassembled switch mechanism comprising, in combination, an insulating housing member open at one side to receive said witch mecha therewithin and provided with a shoulder portion, and means for locking said mechanism within said housing member including a connecting member provided with an end portion insertable with said switch mechanism into said housing member to engage said shoulder portion, said end portion being accessible from the outside oi said housing for movement relative to said housing to release said switch mechanism for separation from said housing.

14. An insulating housing for completely enclosing a preassembled switch mechanism which i provided with a side plate at one side thereof, said housing including an insulating housing member having an open side for receiving said switch mechanism therewithin with said side plate facing toward said open end, an insulating cover lyin'gflat. against said plate, a connecting member extending transversely across the outer surface of said cover, said connecting memher being provided at one end with at least one leg which embraces the edges or said cover and wall to maintain the same in assembled engagement, and means releasably locking theother end of said connecting member to said housing member.

15. An insulating housing for completely enclosing a preassembled switch mechanism which is provided with a side plate at one side thereoi.

said housing including an insulating housing.

member having an open side for receiving said switch mechanism therewithin with said supporting wall facing toward said open end, an insulating cover plate lying flat against said side plate, a connecting member extending transversely across the outer surface or said cover, said connecting member being provided at one end with at least one leg which embraces the edges or said cover and wall to maintain the same in assembled engagement, said assembly element being provided at its other end with an.

end portion which is insertable within said housing member with said mechanism, and means including coacting parts of said end portion and said housing member for releasably locking said other end or said element to said housing member.

RUDOLF POPP. 

